A nurse has had her visa application rejected because her son has autism and, according to the Immigration Department, would be a 'burden on the Australian health system'.

Maria Sevilla has lived in Australia since 2007, when she arrived in the Queensland town of Townsville - a single mother wanting to become a nurse, in the hope of finding a better life for herself and for her baby.

Her son was diagnosed with autism at the age of two, six months after they arrived in Australia, but Ms Sevilla says 'Tyrone is not a burden, he is a joy.'

Ms Sevilla 'worked for years', juggling part time jobs while she studied. She has worked her way up and has been promoted to a clinical position at Townsville Hospital, working hard to help rehabilitate stroke and amputee patients.

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Tyrone (pictured) and his mother Maria Sevilla have had their visa application rejected and are facing deportation back to the Philippines, for the sole reason that Tyrone has Autism

Ms Sevilla, a single mum and nurse in the Queensland town of Townsville, has lived in Australia with her son since 2007. She says it is the only place he knows, and he only knows English

Being a nurse was not possible in the Philippines, where university is only possible for 'the well-off families.'

'Being in Australia changed everything for Tyrone and I, being a nurse was always a dream,' Ms Sevilla told Daily Mail Australia.

'Coming here and becoming a nurse has given me assurance for our future and a sense of fulfilment.'

But Ms Sevilla explains the life she worked so hard to build for her little family could be taken away at any moment.

'All of it could be taken away because the government thinks that children with autism are going to be more of a cost to Australian society than a benefit – but that's just not true.

Ms Sevilla has made a petition and is appealing the decision to send herself and her son back to the Philippines - a place where she has no family and no network of support.

Ms Sevilla's application for a Skilled-Region visa subclass 489 has been rejected by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection due to Tyrone's autism.

The rejection letter states that Tyrone 'has a severe autism spectrum disorder, a condition that is likely to be permanent in nature'.

It stated that he would likely need special education services, state disability services, Commonwealth disability services and residential care services.

'Tyrone would be likely to result in a significant cost to the Australian community in the areas of health care,' the rejection letter said.

A spokeswoman for Mr Morrison released a short statement to news.com.au about Mrs Sevilla's case.

'The visa was refused because the child did not meet the health requirement,' the spokeswoman said.

'The applicant was advised of her options for independent review of the decision. People can only seek ministerial intervention once a refusal decision has been upheld at merits review'.

Tyrone is a 'very cheeky, happy little boy' who is thriving at his specialised school in Townsville

Ms Sevilla is appealing the decision – fighting for the life she has worked so hard for. But she says she isn't angry about the decision – she's sad.

'I feel sad, not angry, that they don't know or understand what Autism is.

'As a mother of a child with Autism, I know it isn't a disease you have to cure, but one you have to manage.

'I have received so many messages from mums of children with Autism; it's very prevalent in Australia,' Ms Sevilla told Daily Mail Australia.

'Tyrone is a happy child with full of life attitude and can lighten the mood of a room with his presence.

'The idea that he can't contribute because of his condition is just wrong. People with autism can be excellent at a whole range of things; he just needs to be given a chance!'

Tyrone loves bike riding, scootering, water – and Tiger Woods!

'He loves to watch YouTube videos of Tiger Woods and to borrow his uncle's golf clubs and pretend to be Tiger!'

Ms Sevilla is sad, not angry, that the Immigration Department does not understand Autism, and says that her son deserves a chance

Due to Tyrone's autism, even minor changes to their routines troubles him, meaning having their deportation would cause enormous issues for the little boy.

'Tyrone notices any change to his routine. Even if I drive him a different route to school, he'll notice and react with a tantrum. But once you calm him down he's fine.

'But if we're asked to go back to the Philippines, we'd have to start from scratch. Tyrone only knows English. He only knows life in Australia.'

When asked about their possible deportation, Maria is lost for words.

'I have no answer to that question. I can't think about it.

'I can't see myself going home. I probably just have to cross that bridge when I get there.

Ms Sevilla lives with her brother and his wife, with her mother only fifteen minutes away - or as Ms Sevilla explains it 'just a phone call away'. They are a crucial support for her and adored by Tyrone.

Ms Sevilla says there is no support for them in Tyrone, compared to Australia, where her beloved mother, brother, sister-in-law, aunty, uncle and cousins live.

Tyrone is very happy with them, and are a crucial support for Ms Sevilla, including caring for Tyrone when Ms Sevilla is on night shift.

'I have found a better life for my family in Australia with my close family. My mother, stepfather and Tyrone's uncle and aunty are so important for Tyrone and I.

'They are a big help, as any single mum would understand.

'But to go back - the Philippines is a third world country. We have opportunities here.

Ms SEvilla (pictured second from the left, in pink) and her son Tyrone (centre, in blue cap) say they have 'never felt lonely' in Australia, despite their challenges, because of all the support they have been given

The mother has been 'overwhelmed' by the support since she made her change.org petition, and hopes the Immigration Department reconsider their decision to deport her son.

'I'm hoping for compassion form the tribunal and from the minister for Immigration.

'I'm wondering if they can change the immigration law about people in situations like this. There must be other people who have been affected by it before me.'

Ms Sevilla says that through all her challenges, Australia has been a safe, caring place for her and her son.

'I have a lot of support from the community. I have my family. I have never felt alone.'

To sign the petition to keep Maria Sevilla and her son Tyrone in Australia, click the link here